Answering Questions on 'Youth Radicalization' at Jukdo Market in Pohang
"The Right Path Is to Consider How to Address Radicalization"
"Some young people in their 20s and 30s are showing such tendencies."
On September 2, Cho Kuk, head of the Innovation Policy Research Institute of the Cho Kuk Innovation Party, commented on the controversy surrounding his remarks about the "radicalization of youth." According to Yonhap News, Cho responded to questions from reporters regarding his claims about "youth radicalization" at Jukdo Market in Pohang, North Gyeongsang Province, on this day.
Cho Guk, head of the Cho Guk Innovation Policy Research Institute of the Cho Guk Innovation Party, is giving an interview to Yonhap News at a hotel in Yeouido, Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul. Photo by Yonhap News
Cho stated, "Whether they are young or not, I believe radicalization to the far right is extremely dangerous, and the People Power Party, which is the second-largest party and the main opposition party, is rapidly moving toward the far right." He added, "When I shared the link (to an article about youth radicalization), the People Power Party criticized me, but I have no intention of retracting my statement."
He continued, "The leadership of the People Power Party still defends insurrection and martial law, talks about reinstating former President Yoon Suk-yeol, and displays behavior that follows Jeon Hangil. I do not consider such actions to be conservative. The conduct of the People Power Party leadership is a disgrace to conservatism."
However, Cho also said, "I believe that even the phenomenon of radicalization among people in their 20s and 30s is the responsibility of the older generations, including myself." He added, "Rather than simply saying 'radicalization must not happen,' I believe it is the duty of politicians to soberly acknowledge this reality and think about how to address this issue."
Cho Kuk, head of the National Innovation Party's National Innovation Policy Research Institute, is being interviewed by Yonhap News at a hotel in Yeouido, Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul. Photo by Yonhap News
Previously, on August 22, Cho claimed in an MBC radio interview that "men in their 20s and 30s show tendencies similar to those in their 70s," which drew strong criticism from the opposition. Nevertheless, Cho has maintained his position, continuing to post media reports on social networking services (SNS) that cite survey results indicating "one out of three men in their 20s shows far-right tendencies."
Cho said, "I believe this phenomenon of radicalization is blocking the progress of politics in South Korea. The article I linked to was not my own claim, but the result of a joint survey conducted by Yonsei University and a research company. If there is criticism to be made, it should be directed at Yonsei University and the research company that conducted the survey, not at me."
Regarding criticism that the party's approval ratings have stagnated, Cho responded, "Since I returned as head, whether the approval rating has gone up or down by 1% is not very important. I intend to move forward steadily, slowly, step by step, and persistently."
Meanwhile, following his special pardon on Liberation Day last month, Cho immediately resumed political activities and has been expanding his outreach on a daily basis. Starting from this day, he will carry out a two-day visit to Pohang and other areas in the Daegu-Gyeongbuk (TK) region.
He said, "Some say the TK region, including Pohang, is a difficult area, but I do not think so. I am convinced that this region will be the center and starting point of change."
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